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8 month Post Op Photo Shoot
soocalchic replied to bigcountryab's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wait what!! You have a vivid imagination a dirty one at that lol Bariatric porno doesn't sound HOT but you may be on to something.. -
Hello Everyone, I am a fairly new member to this site. Like many others I have been heavy all my life. I have tried many diets such as Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast and those weight lose pills. On a couple of occasions I have been able to lose as much as 30 pounds. However, over time I have gained all the weight back. Today I had my consultation with Dr. Abkin in Florham Park NJ. I must say that I instantly likes the surgeon, he was very through at explaining the procedure an answered all of my questions. His office is also absolutely beautiful, clean and can accommodate larger people. His staff were also very friendly and professional. Dr. Abkin is also one of the well known doctors in NJ for bariatric surgery. He has many accolades as well and was one of the first doctors to do lapband surgery in NJ. After my consultation was over, I was so excited. I came home and scheduled my Psych Eval, Nutritional Assessment, Labwork, and will be going to my doctor this Saturday for my medical clearance and necessity letters. I have Horizon BC & BS (NJ Direct). I was also able to schedule a Tentative surgery date for Sept. 24th. I had to schedule it far out because I wanted it to be during a time when I didn't have classes. I also wanted to wait until after the summer because I am scheduled to take a vacation. I am 5'5 and my Pre Op weight is 284. I am hoping to get down to an ideal weight for my height which is between 145-155.
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Deciding whether or not to get the surgery.
Yaberhoo replied to atrim1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The only way to see if your insurance will cover it is to check with your insurance company. You are the only one who can decide if this is the right thing to do, we can't tell you that. I am scheduled for surgery on Oct 22nd, and self paying in Mexico because my insurance doesn't cover any bariatric procedures, period. That is how determined I am to get this done. What restrictions are you worried about? Are you worried about not being able to follow them? Or are you upset that you wouldn't be able to eat "normally" afterwards? If that's how you are feeling, then it is not the time to have this surgery. You must be ready to make this life change or it will not work. Research, research, research. Read everything you can so you understand how the procedure works, what life changes will be made, what to expect before and after, risks, etc. -
Questions about bariatric surgery
skyewolfe posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hello, My doctor wants me to undergo Bariatric surgery because I'm 5'3" and weigh 289lbs. My BMI is 51 and I have been dieting and exercising all year without any results whatsoever (have not even dropped one pound). I have arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, a thyroid condition, PCOD and ulcerative colitis. All of which my doctor thinks can be helped by weightloss. Part of the "preparation" I guess you can call it is I have to watch a bunch of videos explaining the different types (band, sleeve and bypass). I was wondering if any one could tell me what kind of success they've had with the different ones, and if possible, share their stories (I know it may be personal, so I won't try to push any one or anything). I won't lie. I'm a bit anxious about all of this. I have never had any surgery before in my entire life, and this seems like it's a major surgery. But if it will help me get healthier and get some of my medical conditions under control, then I am willing to give it a shot. Any help would be appreciate, thank you -
The drs office with Nutritionist and PA VS THERAPIST CONFLICTS
Guest replied to berryboo97's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
LOL, yes. It's not a bug, but a feature ... in a way. The medical side of things look at your physical structure. The psychologist understands how obesity impacts you mentally, socially, and devises (if they're good) a way for you to accept yourself and work positively towards change. I've enjoyed both sides once I became my own (and honest) patient advocate. My therapist is right that our worth really isn't determined by our weights; that we should eat until we're not hungry regardless of weight, and that the biggest gift you'll give yourself is making peace with the negative self-image. The medical team is right there's a diet that works with surgery. That being said: it's becoming increasingly settled science that going hungry - as in hungry-hungry, not 'mmh I'd like some ice cream' - has profound hormonal, mental, physically negative effects. You should not go hungry. And that's where you as your own patient advocate comes in. ----- EDIT: I'm sorry, I'm an idiot. And so is your psych! I'll leave the above for general thought sharing, though. I thought the psych said eat and the medical team said don't eat. . Your medical team has it right here, and that's the same position your psych should take. I bet they're just telling you that because they don't want to give you advice that extends beyond their field of expertise (that being said, "hunger" as a state of being should be part of a bariatric psychologist's field of knowledge). -
Questions about bariatric surgery
Introversion replied to skyewolfe's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Here's a pearl of wisdom that's not well-known: not everyone with a sleeve has the same stomach size or identical restriction. Each bariatric surgeon has his/her unique operating technique. Surgeons generally use a bougie to shape the sleeve during the procedure. These bougies range from size 32F (smallest) to 40F (larger), though the difference in size between a 32F and a 40F is only a couple of centimeters. A 32F is about the width of a pencil and a 40F is about the width of a chunky permanent marker. Most American surgeons use a 36F to 40F in surgery, whereas surgeons in Mexico favor the 32F to 36F bougie size. Also, bougie size is not the only factor that determines sleeve size. For instance, my surgeon does either a 'loose' or 'tight' wrap of the remaining stomach around the bougie depending on how surgery is going. A while back, a woman who was sleeved with a 38F blamed her larger sleeve size on her inability to lose weight, yet I was sleeved with a 40F bougie and lost all my excess weight. I have far less restriction than most sleevers, but it's all good. Moreover, your restriction will lessen over time. This is natural and normal. Some people panic because they assumed their sleeves would remain tiny enough get full off only a few bites of food forever. This is not the case. By a year out, you'll be able to consume substantially more food, so good choices are imperative. -
I have no regrets on choosing the DS. However, I do count calories, carbs, and protein, and try to stick with low fat foods. That is my surgeons protocol. One of the reasons I chose it is the success it has had with reversing type 2 diabetes and because it keeps the pyloric spinchter intact, lessening the chance of dumping syndrome, though it can still happen. Research both surgeries, there is a lot of info out there, especially on bariatric surgeons sites. I had a hard time deciding, but the more reading I did, the more my choice became clear. Just make sure you use reliable sources. Just an FYI, the SADI/SIPS surgeries are not covered by all insurances because they are considered something different from the proven DS. My insurance would cover the DS for me, but not the modified procedures.
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Looking for ANY Molina Band Revisions to Sleeve!!
kelbug1990 replied to TheSkinnyCow73's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I am hoping since the original post was 2011 your revision has been performed but it took me many years to find a doctor to help me out. I had the Molina band in 2003 by Dr. Molina. In 2006 I began having complications but at the time I wasn't aware it was band related. I would be woke up out of a dead sleep coughing and chocking on stomach acids. I just thought I had reflux. Now i know it was that I was forming an obstruction due to scar tissue from the band. I had severe chronic reflux and vomitting from the food not passing thru. I tried for several years to find a doctor to help me. Due to the high risk of this complication of the Molina band I attempted to see many doctors but they did not do Molina band revisions. I went to several others but my insurance did not have bariatric coverage but in reality I wasn't obese and the surgery was not for weight lose it was for a complication. I was almost completely obstructed when I finally remembered seeing Dr. Nowzardan from Houston on TV and I worked for a plastic surgeon previously that worked with Dr. Nowzaradan. I gave his office a call on a Friday and they got me in the next day on a Saturday and by Monday afternoon my surgery was approved and scheduled. His insurance girl was great. They knew the correct way to code it since it was not a bariatic surgery. I had a hiatal hernia repair, gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy. So basically I had a hiatal hernia from years of throwing up so that was repaired. The gastrectomy was to cut the section out of my stomach that the band was adhered to and the gastrojejunotsomy was the gastric bypass. According to Dr. Nowzardan I was not a candidate for the sleeve gastrectomy and the only real option I had was gastric bypass surgery. Without him I do not know where I would be. Malnutrition for sure. I am going on 5 years since my bypass and it has been great. My weight stays within 138 to 145 over the past few years. Initially I got down to about 130 but then went up a few pounds after maybe the first two years. It's been the best thing for me. Other than dumping every so often I have no complaints. I have to take that back. I tend to be a noncompliant patient in regards to taking Vitamins so there are times I am Iron deficiant anemic but as long as I am taking my vitamins and supplements my levels are perfect. I hope this helps anyone that is suffering with issues from the Molina band.Angie -
Do any of the bypass folks with they'd gone with a sleeve?
Frustr8 replied to SarcasticGastric's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Okay I see Green Tealael calls her sleeve Sac short for small anatomical change. Well shall I name my future pouch? I've been thinking, since I have been struggling to receive Bariatric Surgery since August 15 2015, since I will have it,come into existence September 5th,2018, and since it will be of immeasurable value in my life, now and the future. When Dr Needleman creates her with his Bariatric Spaler along with the rest of the Bariatric tools. Her name Shall Be: bb. PRECIOUSPOUCH💰 or just Precious,in daily life -
getting the vertical sleeve approved
Bufflehead replied to JENNAMRAY's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Your surgeon's insurance coordinator is going to be the most important person who can help you with this process. He or she should be familiar with all the major local insurance carriers, know their requirements, and know exactly how to tailor your insurance submission for the best chances of acceptance. That is the person who will put everything together and actually make the submission. As far as I know, things like personal letters only come into play if you have been denied and are appealing the denial. I never even saw my insurance submission, so I can't send you anything helpful there. I had a sit-down meeting with my insurance coordinator at my intake visit and we went over all my requirements in detail and set up a time-table for getting everything in. When it was all in, she submitted everything and I was approved in under 24 hours. So when you do have your appointment with your bariatric team, make sure you ask lots of questions about how they manage the approval process and what you need to do in order to have a successful submission package. Meet with the insurance coordinator if possible. I guess that's my best advice. Good luck to you! -
If you're not tolerating clear liquids either that doesn't sound good. What about differences in temperature...warm vs cold fluids? Definitely call your bariatric center/nutritionist. They may have some tricks of the trade to help you. I know for me some things just aren't going to go down. I have to psych myself up to get a protein shake down. I can't tolerate scrambled eggs even after chewing well because I got sick on them a few days back. Just the smell of them turns me off. But you should be able to eat pureed foods by now.
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Any Tennessee Sleevers Out There?
sunshyn21 replied to BigMommaNoMore's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hey y'all! I'm Alicia from Chattanooga. I'm hoping to get sleeved soon since BlueCross is finally covering bariatrics in 2013. I plan to have surgery at Centennial in Nashville but I haven't picked a doc yet. I've done the seminar and started trying to shed some pounds already. I'm planning to get the psych eval over with in the next 2wks...and whatever other hoops I need to jump thru to get this done ASAP. Wish me luck! -
How did you decide on your doctor?
JennyBeth replied to newme31's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am in the Chicagoland area also and I'm still in the pre-op stage. Mainly I made my decision based on where my PCP said my insurance (BCBS) would send me. I had the option of Loyola or UIC hospitals because the hospital my PCP works through does not have a bariatric program. I tried to research as much as I could between the two and just trusted my gut (no pun intended!) Then I attended the doctor's seminar I felt most comfortable with and I came away feeling that he would be a good surgeon for me. I am going through Loyola's Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Program and using Dr. Bipan Chand. I like the fact that they have a whole medical and surgical approach to weight loss and would tell you if you were better suited for one over the other without automatically operating on you. I trust my decision that the sleeve is right for me, but if for some reason a medical professional felt otherwise, I would want to know beforehand. Bottom line, you have to go with who you feel most comfortable with. Good luck! -
Congratulations! Dr. Rodriguez was my bariatric surgeon too (April 30th at Star Medica). You've made a wise choice.
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Welcome to the WLS mental battles. It’s ok to be angry. Many of us start with some buyer’s remorse. First food stages made me a bit hungry and angry. things got better with real food stage. Focus on the scale moving with your healthy choices. Keep your eyes on your short- and long-term goals. Recognize when food addiction is talking to you. Noting taste as good as weight loss:-) (make sure food suggestions are on your plan) (make sure they fit your calories and macros for the day) I like how it was said above. It’s what you can eat. bariatrics should not be torture. Food should be long term sustainable. Real food stage nutrition should be flavorful. There are healthy options for the foods I enjoy. I eat hamburgers without the bun (lettuce wrapped) I even enjoy the taste of a turkey burger patty over beef. Healthy pizza, Chicken fajitas without the tortilla, Check out bariatric friendly recipes. You will be able to go to restaurants. Make it about the conversations and quality food not crap foods. Your safe orders are protein and veggies. (replace carbs with more veggies) Kids or lite menus are also great.. You are now a cheap dinner date. Take home leftovers in a box for no cook meals later. Log them. Most restaurant menus are in MyFitnessPal food log.
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Any Tennessee Sleevers Out There?
katsmeow replied to BigMommaNoMore's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
There's one hospital. It's on medical center parkway. There's the Dupaul building next to it and another one over there. You can can DR eckles office for the schedule and the website. I think it's Murfreesboro bariatric surgeons. -
Thanks, that was my reason for bariatric surgery was ending the yo-yo best of luck to you too!
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I Lived Through This Surgery, My Sister Didn't.
auntiemel replied to LyndseyD's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am so sorry for your loss! I'm wondering what the bariatric surgeon dis that made it so difficult for her to get help? Why didn't they try to convert her to rny or remove her stomach altogether if he couldn't fix it? So many questions... I will keep your family in my prayers -
Old habits can be hard to break. Throw in a sale and the temptation is fierce. Bariatric dietitian Elizabeth Anderson gives you some tips to stay strong. Perhaps you're not like me. Perhaps you're not a bargain diva or czar. Perhaps you don't have a sweet tooth, never have. Maybe you never went into a drug store to buy a greeting card and came out with 3 for 1 bags of candy? Perhaps you always share big bags of treats with others, never squandering it all for yourself... on the drive home! However, if ANY of this sounds a little like you. Read on. You're in good company. Easter is over but the candy is not. Are there marquees or sale flyers in your world advertising deep discounts on the leftover candy? It's tough to resist, especially if you have a history of overdoing it during the holidays. If the Peeps are literally calling your name consider the following: 1. There are No Peeps left! They were sold out a week before Easter. The only thing left is candy so icky, they're selling it for 70% off. (No doubt those licorice jelly beans.) 2. This isn't Christmas wrapping paper people. If you stash away these deeply discounted items, you might have lots of chubby vermin in your attic making making nests out of that holiday wrap 3. Splurge your bargain urge this weekend at one of the first yard sales of the year. Be honest with yourself. Is your weight up a little after the holiday? Maybe in a downward spiral of negative thought you've said to yourself, 'Buy the damn candy. What difference does it make? You're fat anyway?' I'm here to tell you it does make a difference because YOU matter!! There is no lasting love, lasting relaxation, lasting peace in the discounted candy. Yes, it soothes momentarily but at a very, very high price to your peace of mind, your confidence, your well-being. And those are the things I'm most interested in protecting. No two WLS clients are the same, but I'll bet most would agree that having bulk candy around the house or office is an invitation for stress. Save yourself the grief, drive on by the candy sales and aisles and discount bins. Focus on the fun springtime clothes, bike rides and outdoor walks you're now enjoying. Now that is something to PEEP about!
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Yes I had bariatric surgery Dec 8 2014 in Winston Salem
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Are you in Lubbock? Charlotte Hodges with Barker Bariatrics did mine. I had my month checkup yesterday and I have lost 30lbs....so right now I average a pound a day. I have not started eating a lot. I am still mostly on blended food. They really worked with my insurance. I work for the State and we have horrible insurance. The legislator sets our insurance. It took forever to get bariatrics in our insurance plan. All my insurance will pay is a flat rate of $13,000. The only problem I am having is I cannot take any arthritis medicine. I am so stiff and my knees hurt so bad that I cannot not get in any walking or exercising.
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Desperate for a Buddy (10/22)
acyum2008 replied to acyum2008's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello all I know this is an old post but hows everyone? I am alive. I know I've neglected my Bariatric Pal family but I am 3 weeks post op and down 34 pounds. How is everyone doing? I miss you all. -
Having some serious second thoughts
54Shirley replied to Rainydayz's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Truthfully ! I didn't want to die. I couldn't even lie down without coughing, and then I would go and Pee. The more that came out the better of a chance of sleeping. Plus the Water was even coming threw the pores of my skin. Make it short. I saw a surgeon at the U of M, and he made it clear, that if I didn't do something,,, I was going to drowned in my own fluids. I said i know, he said "OF COURSE YOU DO, OR YOU WOULDN'T BE HERE" Right, so let's do something about it. WHOA! not my field Bariatrics. Go to Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. They have the Monopoly on this. He took me off the steroids,and in a couple of days I started to go to the Bathroom,all water ! I lost 30lbs. in 30 days. The surgeon was aware of the condition called pockets "THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE A NAME FOR IT YET !" He agreed, surgery was a must to live, so I chose the band, because I didn't want to have everything cut out, and thrown away. I lost over 120 lbs. regained it when they said it was blown, but now I had it fixed, and a fill, and I feel G R E A T ! So I'm on my way again. That's my story. Shirley -
hi all. i've been posting for a few weeks on here now, but not under the AZ posts. i am a 24 years old female who has been overweight for about 24 years now! =) i am going through scottsdale bariatric with dr. balckstone. i am almost done with my 6 month program and am getting very nervous. i know it will be hard post op, but it cant be harder than not being able to fit in clothes, or sleeping with a CPAP, or...........i can go on and on. well, hope to talk to all of you at some point.
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justwaitin2b banded in October and a bit scared
Btlbailey replied to justwaitin2b's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi Folks, So glad I found this forum ! I have less than 2 weeks to go and I am feeling very scared. I have one of the best surgeon's in the country. He has done more than 5,000 bariatric surgeries (both band and gastric) but I am still coming up with every bad thing I can think of in my mind ... I wish i could just let it go. I have no fear of the pain, I just do not like going under anesthesia. I have been overweight for the last 20 years and have lost and gained probably a couple hundred pounds in between. Now I am getting close to border-line diabetic, as well as mild sleep apnea, High BP, and knee pain. It's time ... I have to do something. All of my friends and family keep telling me how great things will be in the long run but I still can't get this fear out of my mind. I feel like I should get a grip. I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling this way.
